The leader of Cornwall Council has rejected calls for Cornwall to join Devon in sharing a mayor as part of a two-county authority.
The reaction follows news that voters in Devon could be choosing its county mayor as early as September 2027. That news prompted renewed suggestions for Cornish cooperation with its neighbour.
Earlier this month, Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner announced that the programme to abolish district and county councils and replace them with new unitary authorities has been put on ice. Despite that, leader of Torbay Council David Thomas has confirmed that Devonian voters will continue to go to the polls next May.
The news has reignited calls for Cornwall to join the cause and collaborate with Devon to elect a single powerful mayor.
Speaking at a meeting of the Torquay Place Leadership Board, Cllr Thomas said: “We have tried on numerous occasions to bring Cornwall into the conversation, but there is still resistance there.
“We need to get on the mayoral bus now with Devon, while leaving the door open for Cornwall. If we don’t get on at this bus stop, we might miss the bus altogether.
“We are so much further advanced than many other places, having been up and running for 18 months already as a CCA. If the government is looking for quick wins, Devon could be one of those.”
Despite the persistence, Cornwall Council’s leader, Leigh Frost, has brushed off the calls.
Speaking to us, Cllr Frost said: “Cornwall is moving forward with its own Strategic Authority deal, and we are pleased that government recognises Cornwall's unique status, including the Cornish national minority. We are confident in our position and wish Devon well in securing an arrangement that works for their communities.”
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Cornwall Council Leader Rejects Devon Unification Calls